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UCF call for Northern Ireland Medicines Review Body
By Derval Keenan, 2/2/2006 2:29:42 PM
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Leading local cancer charity, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has called for a Medicines Review Body to be set up in Northern Ireland. The call came at an event to debate Herceptin, held today in the Long Gallery, Stormont.
Alan George, Head of Care Services, UCF said, ?“The Ulster Cancer Foundation welcomes the decision made by the Health Minister, Shaun Woodward that some women in the early stages of breast cancer in Northern Ireland will now benefit from Herceptin, following consultation from their medical expert. However, we are calling on the Health Minister to ensure that funding be put in place now and that it should be in addition to the existing budget for cancer treatment.?”
Although Herceptin is expensive, the Ulster Cancer Foundation believes that the cost should in no way be a barrier for those women who would benefit from this treatment.
Alan continued, ?“There are a wide variety of new treatments on the horizon for different types of cancer. We know that they are going to be expensive but UCF are concerned that people get access to the best treatment as recommended by their medical adviser. To ensure that this happens, we need a local Medicines Review Body to oversee best practice, but also to demonstrate how this will be funded.?”
Anyone who is concerned about any aspect of cancer can contact the Ulster Cancer Foundation?’s Freephone helpline on 0800 783 3339 and speak confidentially with an experienced nurse.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Alan George, Head of Care Services, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007 / 07763 119880
Or:
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, UCF
Tel. 028 9049 2007 / 07788 146398
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